Coping with Nausea and Vomiting From Chemotherapy

Many people fear that they will have nausea and vomiting while receiving
chemotherapy
. However, these side effects are less common and often less severe than commonly thought. Effective anti-nausea drugs can prevent or lessen nausea and vomiting in most people.

It is important that you tell your doctor or nurse if you do have these symptoms, especially if the vomiting lasts more than a day or if you cannot keep liquids down. You may feel sick a few hours after chemotherapy. Some people also have delayed side effects, feeling nauseous and vomiting a few days after treatment. This is still related to treatment, so be sure to tell your healthcare team.

Also remember that different drugs work for different people. You may need more than one drug to get relief. Continue to work with your team to find the drug or drugs that work best for you.

Tips for Coping

In addition to taking your medication, here are some steps that you can take to reduce nausea and vomiting:

Food and drink tips:

Eat and drink slowly.

Drink small amounts throughout the day. Good choices include water, unsweetened fruit juices, such as apple or grape juice, and light-colored, decaffeinated sodas, such as ginger ale. Keep in mind you should drink sodas that have lost their fizz.

Try to eat smaller meals spread throughout the day, instead of three big meals. Examples of foods that you may be able to tolerate well include: broiled or baked skinless chicken, cooked cereal, such as oatmeal, crackers, pretzels, pasta, white rice, and skinless, boiled potatoes.

Chew your food well.

Avoid sweet, fried, or fatty foods.

Take a short rest after you eat, but avoid lying flat for at least two hours.

Eat foods cold or at room temperature so you will not be bothered by strong smells.

If nausea is a problem in the morning, try eating dry foods, such as cereal, toast, or crackers.

Prepare and freeze meals in advance for days when you do not feel like cooking. You can also ask friends or family to cook meals for you.

Other home care tips:

Try to avoid other strong odors, like tobacco smoke.

Wear comfortable clothes.

If you are feeling nauseated, take deep breaths.

Try to to get involved in enjoyable activities, like watching your favorite show or talking with friends.

Try to take short walks outside. Light exercise will help clear your mind and boost your energy.

Understanding chemotherapy: a guide for patients and families. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003025-pdf.pdf. Accessed March 5, 2014.

What are common side effects. American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/TreatmentTypes/Chemotherapy/UnderstandingChemotherapyAGuideforPatientsandFamilies/understanding-chemotherapy-common-side-effects. Updated March 17, 2011. Accessed June 25, 2012.

Revisions

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